Objective: Focusing on the Present, Part 1 of 2
In this video:
Jerald provides a detailed demonstration of attention in the present moment, noticing the positive as well as the not-positive moments.
Key Takeaway (An important one!):
The SfI-Practice naturally leads to focusing more on the present moment. Have you ever heard that the only way out is through? Entering the moment as it is brings us to the pivot point from which we can move in any direction. Jerald gives a demonstration of moving with the flow of experience. Again, this is not a program of repressing negative feelings or thoughts. It is not a program of judging feelings or thoughts either. This is a fine point! It is a program of being with the present moment, accepting the present moment, and choosing what to do in the present moment. It is a program of building on those choices to repeat and reinforce our chosen attitudes about our circumstances and ourselves. In this way we grow to know ourselves as creative self-makers.
| Notes on Practice |
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| In “Focusing on the Present, Part 1,” you will hear Jerald give an example of keeping his attention in the present moment throughout the cooking of his breakfast. You will hear him articulate his changing thoughts and feelings. When we practice present-moment awareness, it is important to be accepting of whatever arises. Our flow of experience is a mix of positive and negative reactions. The practice you have been doing–recalling positive moments and articulating strengths–will help you be comfortable with being in the present moment regardless of whether you find it agreeable or disagreeable. You will know that a positive moment will come along. As Jerald says in the video, “I like the sweet yogurt better, and I know I will buy it the next time.” We don’t want to be stuck in a negative reaction. This is the point. The negativity bias tends to get us stuck by telling us our negative reactions are important and meaningful when they aren’t any more important than our positive reactions. In fact, our positive reactions are more likely to be useful to us, causing us to feel better and make better choices. |
| Reflection Question |
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| Try a period of being fully focused on whatever it is you are doing, without letting your mind flit off to something else. What do you notice? |
“When your total attention is on what you are doing, you are not aware of much else, and that is a good thing.”
Jerald
“We are leveraging your certainty that there are positive moments into present-moment focus.”
Jennifer